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Vaccine uptake project receives funding boost
"It is essential that we understand the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in the UK" - Dr Gina Pinchbeck.

Researchers to investigate vaccine hesitancy in the UK's pet population.

The Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) has been awarded £50,000 from PetSavers – the charitable arm of the BSAVA – to develop strategies to improve vaccine uptake in companion animals.

The University of Liverpool-based project, A mixed-methods approach to quantifying and characterising vaccine uptake and vaccine hesitancy in UK companion animals, will combine quantitative analysis of existing data from electronic health records with qualitative approaches.

It will involve focus-group discussions and interviews with vets and owners to gain an in-depth understanding of patterns of uptake of vaccination in the UK. Researchers also aim to investigate the perceptions and behaviours around the uptake of vaccination and the rise of vaccine hesitancy.

The funding will be matched by the University of Liverpool, and potential PhD students are invited to submit applications to work with the researchers.

Project lead Dr Gina Pinchbeck commented: “Vaccination is a vital component of preventive healthcare and it is well acknowledged that sub-optimal vaccination uptake may be associated with re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases in populations.

It is essential that we understand the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in the pet population so that we can use the best methods to promote vaccine acceptance and uptake and this will be the primary focus of the study.”

SAVSNET maintains an ongoing collaboration with the BSAVA to harness electronic health and environmental data for rapid and actionable research and surveillance.

This latest project comes in response to the declining rates of pet vaccination. According to research conducted by the PDSA in 2017, only 75 per cent of dogs had received a primary vaccination course when young, and a further fall was noted by the charity in 2019 (72 per cent).

BSAVA president Professor Ian Ramsey added: “This project will be of great value to the veterinary profession and continues the co-operation between BSAVA and the University of Liverpool to build on the successes of the original SAVSNET partnership.”

For information on how to apply for the PhD, contact Dr Gina Pinchbeck (ginap@liverpool.ac.uk) or visit findaphd.com

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.